The largest First Nations community in B.C. has received $4 million to create new housing in the Cowichan Valley.
Cowichan Tribes will build 32 units of affordable housing with funds from the $1-billion federal rapid housing initiative.
Dana Thorne, associate director of housing for Cowichan Tribes, said the money will enable the First Nation to support an underserviced population — elders, youth aging out of care, young mothers and singles.
“The one 16-plex, one 10-plex, and one six-plex, with a total of 32 units, is an opportunity to maximize units on a small land base. This will be the largest complex built by Cowichan Tribes,” Thorne said.
Twelve homes will be set aside for young mothers and youth aging out of care, with the remaining units used for elders and other members in need of affordable housing.
The complexes will feature common areas for activities and workshops to promote community building and provide support to youth, young mothers and elders.
Adam Vaughan, parliamentary secretary for the Ministry of Families, Children and Social Development, said improving Indigenous housing is a priority for the federal government. “By partnering with communities such as First Nations in British Columbia, we aim to improve overall housing conditions and to alleviate core housing needs,” he said in a statement.
The rapid housing initiative provides funding for new, permanent affordable housing by covering costs associated with modular multi-unit rental construction, and conversion of non-residential to affordable multi-residential homes. It can also fund the rehabilitation of buildings in disrepair.
Nearly 40 per cent of all units funded by the initiative have been for Indigenous communities.
